Beard moves up

Rossi Beard will line up with the MX2 Experts for the second round of the MX Nationals at Preston Docks next weekend.

Reigning MXN MXY1 champ, Beard blitzed the opposition in his MXY2 class – by as much as 30 seconds in one race – at the opening round of the series in April. Having taken three straight flag-to-finish wins, and after discussion with his sponsor and mentor, Scott Gardner of Planet Advanced Racing Suspension, it was decided that the talented 15-year-old should take on the challenge of mixing it with the Experts.

“He is determined to get into the Pro class,” said Gardner. “But, he’s got to earn his place first. He really is very talented and has already made a rapid and successful progression through the classes. The 250 suits his riding style and it’ll be interesting to see how he gets on racing against the older lads.”

With Beard leaving the MXY2 class, the battle at the top will now fall to the next three riders, who are close on points after round one. Aaron-Lee Hanson is on 62 points, with Ryan Thompson on 53 and Cailum Meara, brother of the MX2 Experts red plate holder Jason Meara, on 52 points.

The second round of the 2018 Michelin MX Nationals British Championship will take place at the reinvigorated Preston Docks venue over the weekend of 19th and 20th May.